Substance identification and location method and system

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a method and system for remote detection of a targeted substance by the appropriate application of a probing signal that induces molecular resonance in the target substance to create an identifiable signature or response. In the preferred embodiment, signals transmitted are an Infrared laser beam, amplitude modulated in the range of 100 kHz frequency. The probing signal stimulates molecular resonance of the target substance which produces characteristic electron signal responses that are detected by IR detectors. A software program is used to process the electrical response signals and to compare them with electrical response signals stored in a database of known substances, thus allowing the target substance to be identified. The system may also be used to locate targeted substances. Also disclosed is an artificial ground device that provides a positive ground that provides consistent responses.

This Continuation-in-Part application claims the priority of the utilitypatent application (Ser. No. 10/444,421) filed May. 23, 2003 now U.S.Pat. No. 7,288,927.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to methods and systems fordetermining the presence of a chemical element or compound, and moreparticularly, to such methods and systems that stimulate substances atselected frequencies of resonance, to produce characteristic patterns ofemission that can be detected locally or from a remote distance todetermine the identity and location of the substance.

2. Description of the Related Art

A number of patents have been issued that relate to techniques forrelatively short-ranged location systems, and most are designed to finda particular class of substances. Typical of these are U.S. Pat. Nos.5,159,617, and 5,233,200, issued to King et al., and Buess, et al.,respectively. These patents typically relate to substances that containNitrogen, and generally use electromagnetic fields to disturb atomicstructures, and measure the resulting emissions, as the atoms return tonormal. Compared to the proposed method disclosed herein, thesetechniques are extremely limited, both in type of substances that can bedetected, and in detection distance.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,050,627, issued to Miller, describes a method ofdetecting natural nuclear emissions, without stimulation of any kind. Itappears that this patent may have been based upon observations of thesame, or similar, natural phenomena that are the basis of thisinvention, but with a different technological focus, and in an entirelydifferent frequency band. It should be noted that the patent was issuedin 1962, and has expired without major development, which indicates alack of fulfillment of expectations. The inventors have found thatsubstances may emit noise signals, as Miller suggests, however, they doso in response to a stimulating energy source, whether natural, orartificial, so that the laws of thermodynamics are not violated. Meansof stimulating substances artificially are part of the presentinvention. Also, it has been found, by the present inventors, thatsubstance emitted noise signals require interpretation in order to beuseful for substance identification. Means to interpret substancegenerated noise is also an important part of this invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and systemfor identifying and locating a targeted substance either locally orremotely.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a methodand system that does not destroy or damage the targeted substance.

These and other objects of the present invention are met by a remotesubstance identification and location method and system disclosed hereinthat uses an ionization means used to ionize an intermediate chemical toproduce a probing signal, also called a plasma, used to simulate andsense the response from a desired substance located in a target area.The intermediate chemical can be any chemical that undergoes ionizationcaused by an IR laser beam source. The embodiment disclosed herein isused in an open area exposed to the atmosphere where the intermediatechemical is oxygen, or nitrogen. During use, the probing stimulatingsignal is aimed at or in the general direction of a desired targetsubstance causing the target substance to undergo non-destructivemolecular resonance to produce a characteristic electrical responsefield. The electrical response signal is then detected by IR detectorstuned to the same electromagnetic band as the intermediate chemical. TheIR detectors are connected to a preamp and an analog/digital converterwhich interfaces with a computer. Loaded into the memory of the computeris a software program that is programmed with a library of electricalresponse signals from known target substances using a calibration methoda first algorithm. The software program includes a second algorithm thatcompares the received electrical response signals to electrical responsesignals from known substances to determine the identity and location ofthe target substance.

In the preferred embodiment, the intermediate chemical is oxygen whichis ionized by the IR laser beam source to create a singlepulse-modulated plasma that causes molecular resonance in the targetsubstance.

In one embodiment, the ionization means is an optical radiation source,such as an IR laser beam source. In another embodiment, the ionizationmeans is a voltage radiation source, such as an antenna.

In another embodiment, a metallic and insulative shields are providedthat reduce noise signal responses.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simple block diagram of the method used for remote substanceidentification and location.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the substance identification and location systemdisclosed depicting the use of both an omni-directional voltageradiation source and a uni-directional optical radiation source.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of the remote substance identification and locationsystem disclosed herein depicting the use of an omni-directional voltageradiation source and a remotely operated electric field detector.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of the remote substance identification and locationsystem that depicting the use of an omni-directional antenna thatproduces a probing signal and two plasma detectors that detect anelectric stimulating signal.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a remote substance identification and locationsystem that used two plasma detectors both used to create probingsignals and to detect an electric stimulating signal.

FIG. 6 is a sectional, side elevation view of a plasma detector used inthe system.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of an optical based laser beam generator.

FIG. 8 is a combination schematic of the plasma detector and probe beamgenerator shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a wide-band sensor, and pre-amplifierused with the system shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of the data processing algorithm used by theremote substance system for determining the substance signature of aknown target substance.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of the data processing algorithm used by theremote substance identification system for determining the location of atarget substance.

FIG. 12 is diagram of another embodiment of the invention forstimulating a response signal from target substance that includesmetallic and insulative shields that reduce noice interference.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of an artificial ground used with theembodiment shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing of the artificial ground shown inFIG. 13.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Disclosed herein and depicted in the accompanying FIGS. is a remotesubstance identification and location method and system 10 also referredto as Object Location by Electrical Response (OLER). The method,depicted generally in FIG. 1, includes a first step of creating aprobing signal by ionizing an intermediate substance, propagating theprobing signal to the area containing a target substance 70 whichcreates an electrical response field from the target substance,detecting the electrical response field from the target substance 70,and then analyzing the electrical response field to identify, and locatethe target substance 70. FIG. 2 depicts an overall summary of the system10 while FIGS. 3-5 depict three specific design applications of thesystem. FIGS. 6-9 are illustrations and schematic diagrams showing twotypes of plasma generators used in the system 10 while FIGS. 10 and 11are flow diagrams of two software algorithms used by the system 10. FIG.12 is a diagram of another embodiment of the invention for stimulating aresponse signal from target substance that includes metallic andinsulative shields that reduce noise interference. FIGS. 13 and 14 is adiagram and schematic, respectively, of an artificial ground used withthe embodiment shown in FIG. 12.

Remote identification and location of arbitrary molecular substances haslong been a goal of many inventors, but has generally gone unfulfilled.Standard substance identification methods include laboratory techniques,such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, and Optical Spectrometry, but thesemethods provide no means of identifying substances in field conditions,except in astronomy, nor do they have distant location capability. Thetechnique known as X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) is being used in field workto find and measure certain substances, but the maximum range of XRFoperation is a few inches, so it is not capable of remote monitoring,and is severely limited by range in locating objects. Other techniquesthat have been used include, x-ray, and acoustic means to measuredensity of a substance, and means of measuring earth conductivityanomalies, for buried objects. Probably the best method to date forlocating certain substances is the animal sense of smell, but thismethod is obviously limited to substances that provide a smell.

The advantages of the system 10 disclosed herein over other systemsfound in the prior art is the ability to locate small or large amountsof target substances at different distances. While some substances, ofcourse, are stronger signal sources than others, the system 10 may beadjusted to identify and locate a wide variety of different targetsubstances. For example, gasoline is considered a relatively strongtarget source, and a tank of gasoline in an automobile can be detected acity block away. A tank-farm of gasoline can be detected more than 3miles away.

The system 10 also offers a method of finding people buried inavalanches, and rubble, even finding dead bodies, and could be used inpolice searches for weapons, bombs, and narcotics. It could be used inmining to locate precious metals, and gems, though the technique may notpenetrate deeply into the soil, and tests of soil penetration have notyet been made. The potential list of uses is long. Obvious importantuses of the system 10 include means to alert security persons topresence of plastic explosives that are extremely difficult to detect byother means.

Another advantage of the system 10 is its inherent safety. Detectionmethods do not require hazardous materials, such as nuclear sources, orother dangerous radiation. The electromagnetic radiation associated withthe system 10 is hardly more than a person experiences when walkingacross a carpet, and much less than one gets standing in sunlight.

Stimulation of a Target Substance

It is postulated that most, if not all, substances generatecharacteristic electrical response signals when stimulated with a“proper” electrical signal. These response signals, are low infrequency, and are electrically weak, which is to say that their sourceimpedance is extremely high even though their voltage levels may bemoderate to high. Actual values are difficult to measure, and are notyet known, because an adequate model has not been built. Responsesignals have been found in the frequency band from nearly DC toapproximately 200 MHz. It is anticipated that that frequency may be alimitation of the present instrumentation, rather than of thesubstances, or the propagation medium.

The system 10 uses a probing signal to simulate and sense a responsefrom a desired substance located in a target area. The probing signal isproduced by an ionization means that ionizes an intermediate chemicalthat is propagate, stimulate, and sense the target area. In thepreferred embodiment, the intermediate chemical undergoes ionizationcaused by an IR laser beam source. It is postulated that the probingsignal causes the resonance in the electron clouds in the molecules ofthe intermediate substance. It is accepted that all substances consistof combinations of atoms held together with shared electrons, commonlycalled valence electrons. In his book, The Nature of the Chemical Bond,Linus Pauling, explored the wave-like nature of electrons, and showedhow, in chemical bonds, electrons form a stable waveform when consideredas a mutual resonance of two waveforms. Now, electrons are chargedparticles, so it follows that they can be moved (attracted, or repelled)by electric fields, and if the frequency of an alternating E field isadjusted, suitably, the resonant chemical bond will vibrate andeventually break causing an electron to be ejected, like a stone from asling. The ‘Q’ of the resonance is unknown, but it likely is quitelarge, because a very small amount of energy, added over a relativelylong time period, can create the effect. Moreover, resonances can bestimulated using one of many sub-harmonics. So, it follows thatextremely low frequencies can be used to stimulate substances.Characteristic substance stimulation frequencies have been observed tobe relatively stable over time, as compared to response signalsignatures (see section on Detection).

Natural electrical noise can also stimulate these emissions,particularly on sunny days. The system-like signatures found in manysubstances may be observed during daytime hours without artificialstimulation. It has also been observed that some substances can bestimulated at, or near, harmonics of 60 Hz, when located near powerlines.

Propagation

In the preferred embodiment disclosed herein, the propagation of theprobing signal and the electrical response signal from the targetsubstance takes place in air with a return current path through theearth, but not necessarily. Wherein, due to natural presence of airatoms with orbital electrons, and ions, electrical response signalsgenerated at one location can be transmitted through the ion/air “fluid”by physical shift, or vibration, of electrons, or ion particles, asdescribed in plasma physics. This effect is similar to well knownprinciples of acoustics, substituting electric field force formechanical pressure. Like acoustics, the propagation medium is subjectto ducting, that is, the formation of low-loss paths, such as thepropagation of sound across a lake. Lonngren, author of “Introduction toPhysical Elements”, generally describes ion acoustic waves havingproperties similar to those observed by the inventors, and it isexpected that this propagation mode is a plasma physics phenomenon,perhaps like the Ion Acoustic Wave, but using the vibration of orbitalelectrons of air molecules, because light electrons would provide ahigher propagation velocity, and response frequency than would heavierions.

Unlike ordinary acoustics, the ions that provide the propagation arephysically moved to generate plasma paths. This may be accomplished byeither of two methods: 1. application of light at emission wavelengthsof Oxygen (e.g. 820 nm), as published in the Handbook of Chemistry andPhysics. Or, a simple grounded sharp pointed conductor will often work,particularly when ambient sunlight is present. Creation of a plasma pathalso requires application of an electric field that has a frequency thatis very near to a resonant frequency of the substance being sought. Thetwo signals, (stimulus and response) with a slowly varying phaserelationship, create an effect like electrically polarized electrodes ina conductive fluid. When a plasma path is created, a minute currentflows, and follows a path of least impedance between the stimulatedsubstance and the transmitter. This may be a direct line, but will notalways be so. If the path of least resistance passes through a wall, thelaws of dielectrics apply, and refraction may occur, changing theapparent direction of the path. In fact, the path may split into two, ashas been observed, where one path can go directly through a door, andanother through an air space beside the door, simultaneously. In apreferred embodiment, an infrared (IR) laser is used to trigger astimulating plasma path, stimulate the target substance, and detect theelectrical response, all in a single instrument.

Additional theoretical work has been done to better understand thepropagation phenomenon in terms of quantum physics. A simplifiedexplanation likens the air molecules to tiny energy-wells, physicallyseparated in space. IR energy, such as sunlight, partially fills thewells making it easy for energy from a source, such as stimulatedsubstance molecules, to travel in any direction, depending upon thepotential gradient, like balls on the slope of a tilted surface.

Detection of the Electrical Response Signal

Once a path, or duct, has been set-up using the electrical fieldsgenerated by the transmitter, and its associated antenna, it is possibleto detect the electric response signals using one of several types ofsensors designed for that purpose. In the preferred embodiment, aninfrared (IR) laser beam source is used that emits in the IR band of 820nm caused by oxygen molecules in the air. The electrical responsesignals from the target substance are narrow pulses emitted from theorbital electrons of the oxygen molecules as they pass charges along the‘path’, and are particularly strong in the vicinity of the transmitantenna element, where the current is most concentrated. The IR detectorintegrates the pulses forming an analog of the current that passes alongthe path. Detection is most sensitive, if the IR detector is mounted ata right-angle to the path, but not inside the path.

The currents that flow are generated by electrical actions of orbitalvalence electrons, as they continually seek a stable relationship withthemselves and with the disrupting influences of external fields. Itshould be understood that other sensors may be used to detect thesefields, including electric, and magnetic field sensors, to detect thetarget substance by its stimulated noise field, or to detect the path byits electromagnetic noise field. For example, some of these noise fieldsensors have been built, and used with degrees of success, however theytend to suffer from electrical isolation problems that the IR currentsensors do not, because of inherent isolation by optical coupling. Theonly problems experienced with the IR detectors are sensitivity tosunlight, and to 60 Hz interference related to incandescent lighting.These problems may be solved using differential sensors, or by placingthe sensors inside of opaque housings.

Signals can also be optically detected directly, using an Infrared (IR)detector of a suitable sensitive wave-length, 823 nm is ideal. Ionizedpaths create an IR ‘glow’ that can be detected by looking directly inthe direction of a substance, after a ‘path’ has been set-up. This glowmay be observed on the ground above, or near, location of the buriedobject(s). This type of detection may be useful for certainapplications, but may suffer from solar noise problems. Implementationof this detection method is similar in design to that described herein,but using the IR diode sensor directed toward the suspected location ofthe ‘glow.’ It may also be practical to build a device that will allowthe human eye to observe the ‘glow’.

FIG. 8 shows a typical plasma sensor mechanical construction, with aschematic diagram of a sensor, and a preamplifier, which operates in theacoustic frequency band (up to 100 kHz). FIG. 9 shows a schematicdiagram of a wide-band sensor (up to 250 MHz). The PIN Diode shown inFIG. 9 replaces the IR photo-transistor shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the IR detector 100 designedto reduce the noise signal response. The detector 100 includes acylindrical outer housing made of a metallic outer shield 104 and acoaxially aligned, insulative inner shield. Using this embodiment,stimulation occurs by infrared radiation, modulated by a transmit signal120 which drives one or more infrared emitters 108 located inside theouter housing 102. In the preferred embodiment, the outer housing 104 ismade of metal while the inner shield 106 is made of plastic, (PVC).During operation, the infrared emitter 102 produces a beam of IRradiation 122 which is broadcast outward through the open end of theouter housing 102. The modulated IR then stimulates a response signal126 by the target substance which is detected by the electrode 112located inside the outer housing 102. The electrode 112 is electricallyconnected to transformer assembly 130.

The transformer assembly 130 includes a metalic outer housing 132 with awide band transformer 134 located therein that connects to the electrode112. During operation, the transformer 134 amplifies and produces anoutput signal 140. In the preferred embodiment, the turns-ratio of thetransformer 134 is a 1:2 step up which provides a gain factor of 2. Itshould be understood however, that other turns ratios maybe used.

In order to reduce the noise signal responses, the electrode 112 must beshield by the two metallic shields 104 and 132 in the outer housing 102and transformer assembly 130, respectively and by the insulative shield106 in the outer housing 102. A separate ground connection 150 for theshields 104, 106, and 132 and the input and output signals 120, 140,respectively, are necessary to eliminate noise interference.

To obtain consistent responses from the OLER system, positive groundingis also necessary. It has been observed, however, that all grounds arenot consistent. A useful solution is to provide an artificial grounddevice 160 as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

Referring to FIG. 13, the artificial ground device 160, also known as anAGD 160, that includes a closed, hollow outer housing 162 with a flattop lid 164. Attached to the lid 164 is a ground port connector 166. Inthe preferred embodiment, the outer housing 162 is made of transparent,insulative material. Located inside the outer housing 162 is an opaque,insulative shield 166. The insulative shield 166 is slightly smallerthan the outer housing 162 and slightly small in height than the outerhousing 162. A gap 170 is formed between the top edge of the insulativeshield 170 and the inside surface of the top lid 164.

Located inside the outer housing 162 and inside the insulative shield166 is an infrared emitter diode 175 that connects to one or morebatteries 176, 178. The batteries 176, 178 are connected to a currentlimiting resistor (180) and to an optional ON-OFF switch (190. Duringoperation, a connection is supplied from the instrument ground 151 shownin FIG. 12 to the ground port connector 166. The ON-OFF switch 190 isconnected to the infrared diode 175 to produce an infrared signal 200that is transmitted evenly inside the outer housing 162. Because a gap170 is formed under the top lid 164, the infrared signal 200 is able toescape through the gap 170 and ionize the air surround the outer housing162.

The AGD device 160 is typically placed on the surface or floor, at leastone (1) meter below the sensor 100, which during operation provides aconnection for the return path from the stimulated substance to thesensor. The combination of sharp metal points and IR radiation tends toionize the air around the AGD device 160 and when energy is release bysubstance stimulation, current flows in the return path through the air,if earth ground is not available.

FIG. 14 is an electrical diagram showing the transmission of the IRsignal through the window in the outer housing of the AGD device 160.

Signal Interpretation and Calibration

The electric response signals emitted from target substances requireinterpretation before they can be used to identify and locate the targetsubstance. The electrical response signal, without interpretation,appears generally as random noise. This is partly because the signalsare themselves responses to random noise inputs. A novel feature of theinvention is the algorithm disclosed below for interpreting theelectrical response signals of target substance molecules.

Substances generally have a finite set of electron energy ‘states’, manyof which are not stable. When disturbed by a transient field, thesubstance responds by executing a pattern of energy jumps, until anequilibrium is reached. By quantum electronic theory, this activityinvolves only that set of energy states, but does not always involvethem all. Identification of target substances, using this method,involves a signal processing algorithm that interprets substance noiseas electron state activity, and includes a technique for measuring thecharacteristic responses of a target substance. This can be done undervarious conditions, to develop a reference signature which can be usedas a match-filter to recognize signals from the target substance.

The first algorithm processes noise-like signals into characteristicpatterns that are used to identify substances. As depicted in FIG. 10,the first algorithm uses a Fast Forier Transform (FFT), of a digitizedsignal, and performs a sequence of mathematical manipulations to producea “signature” for the target substance. The signature is a spectrum-liketable of responses averaged over variables of time, temperature,stimulations, etc. During the detection step, which is used in a secondalgorithm and shown in FIG. 11, the substance signature created duringthe search, is compared with similarly processed raw data received fromthe sensors. The comparison process produces a series of magnitudes thatrepresent a likelihood that signals from a target substance are present.

An important aspect of the system 10 is the determination of thesignature signal from a target substance. One method used to determinethe signature signal is to measure and compare the changes in theelectrical responses with and without the target substance in the targetfield. By subtracting the electrical response taken without the targetsubstance from the electrical responses taken with the target substance,the actual electrical response from the target may be ascertained.

Another possible method used to determine the electrical signature of atarget substance is to use a calibration chamber. A calibration chamberis made of a high-strength dielectric, such as glass, that completelysurrounds the substance sample. A single conductor is used that allowsan Infrared detector to monitor current flowing through apath-of-least-impedance. The substance sample may be stimulated withelectrical fields, or by modulated infrared light, which is thepreferred method used herein. The act of calibration involves a sequenceof measurements whereby the substance's signature is determined.

Substance “signatures”, as defined in this disclosure, are of twotypes, 1) Transmit Frequencies that cause resonant responses insubstances, and 2) characteristic emissions, of electrical signals, fromsubstances when they are stimulated at a frequency of resonance. Thefirst type of signature is discussed in the above paragraph titled“Stimulation”. The second type is discussed in the following paragraphs.

Experimental work has shown that substance, Type 2, signatures maychange over time. Work remains to determine what parameters cause theobserved changes, but theoretical considerations make temperature, andbarometric pressure, to be suspects. Other possibilities include theconcentrations of various gasses in the air-mixture, such as oxygen,nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. In a worst-case scenario, it may benecessary to do periodic in-situ calibrations using a known sample ofthe target substance.

Recent work with the high-frequency techniques have resulted in asimplified detection algorithm, due partly to better separation ofsubstance response frequencies. The changed algorithm Flow Diagrams areshown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

Range Estimator Algorithm

A further novel algorithm is also provided for estimating the distanceto the target. The algorithm complements the natural ability of thesystem to determine the direction of a substance by peak signal level,providing both range and bearing information, thus eliminating the needfor two-sensor triangulation.

The algorithm is similar to a RADAR system (i.e. uses the transmissionof a burst signal which is returned quickly if the target is near orlater if the target is further away). The OLER signals, however,propagate slower that RADAR signal. Storage of data samples to scan fora ‘match’ with a stored signature is computer intensive for long ranges.The method was successfully tests, and provided satisfactory results atshort distances. At long distances, however, a ‘range gated’ techniquemay be better (i.e. transmission of a pulse and waiting for arange-calibrated time period before beginning to digitalize thein-coming data). A combination of the two techniques might be used. Inpractice, it should be empathized that the system can operate in OmniMode, where no range information is desired. It might be preferred forsome applications to ‘acquire’ a target in that mode, then switch to theRange-Data mode, to determine its distance.

System Considerations

For some requirements it may be desirable to have a fixedomni-directional receiver antenna. For those applications, a receivercan be combined into the transmitter in such a way that any path thatsets-up will be detected by the presence of a characteristic currentflowing in the transmit antenna feed circuit. It will be possible todesign such a system to continually monitor for the presence of anygiven substance, and provide warning signals when such presence isdetected. A possible scenario could be to transmit multiple stimulationsignals, and monitor for the response signal(s), that indicate thepresence of selected target substances. Automatic location of anintruding target substance is possible with increased complexity.

Operation Description

FIG. 2 depicts a first embodiment of the system 10 that uses tworeceivers 20 that determine the target substance location bytriangulation. An operator first selects a stimulus frequency, basedupon the signature signal analysis of the target substance 70 to belocated, and adjusts signal source 30 to provide an IR signal 32 of thedesired modulated frequency and amplitude. The IR signal is transmittedby a voltage radiation source such as an antenna 40 or to an opticalradiation source 60, such as an ionizing IR laser beam source. Uponactivation of the antenna 55, or optical radiation source 60, a probingsignal 25 is produced that stimulates the target substance 70 and causesit to generate an electrical response field 80. The electrical responsefield 80 causes a local disturbance field 85 in the earth ground 15 byelectric induction, that is opposite in phase to the electrical responsefield 80, thus creating a local disturbance field 85. The electricalresponse field 80 and the local disturbance field 85 thus effectivelycreate a dipole antenna. Two ion-plasmas 25 and 27 are formed thatgenerate two signal paths, so that currents flow through the air 96 tothe transmitter terminal 55. Note that the impedance of the Earth's soilis orders of magnitude lower than the impedance of the air propagationmedium, so that ground impedance losses from the ground current 22 maybe neglected. Transmit elements 33, and 37 (not shown in FIG. 2) provideground return connections, so that current loops are completed back tothe target substance 70. This atmospheric current proceeds as chargesare passed from molecule, to molecule. Each transfer creates a pulse atInfra Red wavelengths, producing signals which may be sensed by two IRdetectors 65. The two IR detectors 65 are connected to a preamp 67 thatamplifies the signals and digitalizes them for further processing by adata processor 75. The first processing algorithm 66, shown in FIG. 10,is used to detect the signature signals that are shown to the operatoron display 90.

A second embodiment of the system 10′ is shown in FIG. 3. Several meansexist of instrumenting the OLER effect, so that multiple options existfor optimizing a system design. FIG. 2 shows a system 10 that senses twoion plasma paths 25, 27, and determines the position of a targetsubstance 70 by remote triangulation. In FIG. 3, a single plasma path 25and an electrical field detector 95 are used. Such a system 10′ might beused with a portable electrical field sensor 95, and a fixed plasma-pathsensor, not shown. The plasma detector (not shown) could sense thedirection of the substance, and the combination of the two sensors couldbe used to guide an operator to the exact location. The propagationvelocity for the electrical field is much faster (light speed) than theplasma path (acoustic velocity), so a delay/correlation technique mightbe used to determine the approximate range of the target substance.

A third embodiment of the system 10″ is depicted in FIG. 4 that includestwo plasma detectors 50, 50′ that are also used together to determinetarget position by means of triangulation. The system 10″ can be usedwith, or without, a stimulation transmitter, which is useful if searchesmust be conducted at night. Hardware configuration of such a system 10″,without transmitter, is shown in FIG. 5. The plasma detectors 50 may behand-held, or tripod mounted. A typical mechanical configuration of aplasma detector 50 is shown in FIG. 6, with a circuit diagram depictedin FIGS. 7 and 8.

As shown in FIG. 7, the plasma detector 50 includes an infrared (IR)diode 51 mounted in a short tube 52 made preferably of stainless steel,or copper. The infrared light diode 51 produces IR light that ionizesoxygen molecules 53 inside the tube 52, generating a conductive plasma54 within, and in front of the tubing. The tube 52 is electricallyconnected to a ground, or usable substitute such as the human body. Thisplasma 54 acts to provide a terminal for connecting to substancesignals, much like a metallic terminal in a conductive fluid, exceptthat the plasma is directional. When potentials are present, currentsflow, and in the plasma as currents flow, pulses of IR light areemitted. These pulses are detected by the photo-transistor 57, mountedon the distal end of the tube 52 at a right-angle to the plasma 54. FIG.8 is an electrical schematic of the plasma detector 50. Thephoto-transistor 57 has a sensitivity that peaks in the IR range,according to the emission spectrum of Oxygen (822 nm is ideal). Thephoto-transistor 57, in its circuit, detects the quasi-noise signals ofstimulated substances in the pointing direction of the plasma probe. Thesignals are amplified, and passed to the analog to digital Computerinterface, where signals are processed as described in the section onsignal interpretation. Display can be as simple as meter deflections, oras sophisticated as an intensity vs. position plot, depending upondesign requirements, cost, and complexity.

An IR sensing PIN code shown in FIG. 9, with appropriate circuitry, maybe substituted for the photo-transistor shown in FIG. 6, in order toobtain a wider operating band-width. The circuit, shown in FIG. 9,provides usable signal band-width to 200 MHz. It appears thatSignal-to-Noise Ratio is better at the higher RF frequencies.

In compliance with the statute, the invention described herein has beendescribed in language more or less specific as to structural features.It should be understood however, that the invention is not limited tothe specific features shown, since the means and construction shown, iscomprised only of the preferred embodiments for putting the inventioninto effect. The invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms ormodifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the amendedclaims, appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine ofequivalents.

1. An ion acoustic remote substance identification and location system,comprising: a. an ion acoustic voltage radiation source; b. means forionizing an intermediate chemical to produce a probing signal of adesired frequency and amplitude capable of propagating a voltage fromsaid ion acoustic voltage radiation source to a desired target substanceto produce non-destructive molecular resonance therein; c. means totransmit said voltage and said probing signal to a target substance tocause said target substance to undergo molecular resonance and produce acharacteristic electrical response signal; d. an IR detector fordetecting with directional shielding said electrical response signalfrom said target substance, said IR detector includes a metallic outerhousing with an open end, said outer housing made of an metallic outershield that surrounds an insulative inner shield, located inside saidinsulative inner shield is one or more infrared emitters that produce abeam of IR radiation is transmitted through said open end and to atarget substance, said outer housing also including an electrode used todetect a response signal from a target substance through said open end;e. a transformer assembly attached to said electrode, said transformassembly includes a metallic outer housing; f. an artificial groundingdevice connected to said outer housings of said IR detector and saidtransformer assembly, said artificial grounding device includes an outerhousing with a IR emitter diode located therein that produces a IRsignal when a current is applied thereto, said artificial groundingdevice also including an opaque, insulative shield that is slightlysmaller than said outer housing thereby creating a gap around said outerhousing through which said IR signal from said IR emitter diode may betransmit to ionize the air located outside said outer housing; and, f.means to identify said target substance based on said electricalresponse signal detected by said IR detector.